The Poona Canteen – They speak FOOD!

There are a very few restaurants which surprise you with its first bite and ‘The Poona Canteen’ is one of them. This place has added a Puneri touch to all its dishes and stayed true to its name. Local Puneri flavour and canteen rates, this combination is very rare and interesting at the same time. The look and feel of the place is trendy and happy, where you can enjoy the place, have conversations and have amazing food at the same time. The place is decorated with Puneri slangs and has a very Pune vibe to it.

Drinks

Punerioska – Ever heard a Caprioska with chai (tea) in it? Well, this is exactly that! This is not your normal Caprioska, but it is Masala Chai infused Caprioska. They put a tea bag in normal Caprioska, which gives that added chai flavour and is also served in a cup (means they like to play with your mind too :p).

Spicy Peru – Well, this drink will remind you of that same old taste, where you use to have roadside peru (guava) sprinkled with red chilli and salt. But, this drink has a twist (of course). It comes with ALCOHOL in it, sounds interesting? It is served in that same old Pepsi glass bottle, and its taste will take you down the memory lane.

Somras Mule – When was the first time you heard of the word ‘Somras’? Maybe you read it in ancient books or heard it in some mythological serials. Well, the drink of the Gods has become our new favourite. This drink is served in a copper mug to give you that ancient feels and is a vodka-based cocktail infused with jaggery, curry leaves and tamarind chutney. The taste of this cocktail is heavens (we mean literally).

Dirty Nariyal Pani – Who doesn’t like Nariyal Pani? It’s refreshing, healthy and gives energy (that’s what they say), but we are sure, it will give you a lot more energy when you have it from here (the secret is – VODKA). Yes, you heard it right! This Nariyal Pani drink is topped with vodka and lavender. And has properties to heal anything. You gotta try it out to believe us.

Starters

Bakarwadi Chaat – What if we tell you that the famous Bakarwadi of Pune is now available as a chaat? Yes, you heard it right! The Poona Canteen actually serves Bakarwadi Chaat, using the same Chitale Bakarwadi. This is their best seller, well, why wouldn’t it be! After all, it’s the same Puneri flavour, now in a chaat.

Loaded Khari – Who all have had khari dipped in tea or milk? Mostly all, right? But have you guys ever had THREE CHEESE MUSHROOM KHARI? Probably not! These guys specialise in it and is again one of the best sellers from them. The amazing crispiness of khari with the creaminess of cheese, this combination is rare and simply stunning at the same time.

Raju Omelette – Malabari paratha topped with special masala omelette and their secret masala. This omelette is too good to be true! This omelette will actually make you leave your ordinary omelette aside and just come and have this dish whenever you think of an omelette.

South African Tikka – This dish literally plays with your mind, because it looks like a tandoor and tastes completely different than a tandoor. It is served in a pan and looks very red and spicy, but again, after you taste it, it’s not spicy at all. Every bite has amazing flavours and the chicken is so soft that it actually feels like cotton candy (just the softness of the chicken).

Main Course

Fauji Style Chicken with roti – This dish gave us feels! Tender chicken in a fauji style curry is just mind blowing. The secret ingredient of this recipe is OLD MONK. Yes, that’s right! Do try this out, because it might put your best chicken dishes to rest!

Kala Mutton Shepherd’s Pie – This dish is a cheesy treat to your eyes as well as to your taste buds! Mutton kheema is cooked in kala masala, topped with buttery mashed potatoes and yes, lots and lots of cheese! Every bite is full of flavours, it’s like an explosion of flavours in your mouth and the cheesiness makes it really tempting.

Desserts

Black Label Spiked 70% Dark Chocolate Mousse – The end of our food journey couldn’t be better than this. It’s soft and rich in flavour and the secret lies in the 70% dark chocolate which makes this dessert decadent.

Quick service, friendly staff and of course amazing food, which kept surprising us dish after dish. You all should definitely visit this place for good food vibes and for its creativity which makes ordinary dishes extraordinary!

All the dishes from their menu are a must try, but naming a few you should definitely try before you die –
Spicy Peru, Somras Mule, Bakarwadi Chaat, Loaded Khari, Fauji Style Chicken and of course, 70% Dark Chocolate Mousse.

A special thanks to Mr. Rohit for recommending the best of dishes to try.

P.S. – Visiting this place soon because we haven’t finished trying their rest of the menu yet!